Semicolons ;

1. Semicolons; When and how to use them

2. When to use semicolons • Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely related in thought but are not joined by conjunctions (and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet). • The river is rising rapidly; it is expected to crest by noon. • NOT: The river is rising rapidly; so it is expected to crest by noon. • REMINDER: Independent clauses stand alone. They are individual sentences if the punctuation is taken out.

3. When to use semicolons • Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression. • Lenoir is planning to become an engineer; however, she is also interested in graphic design. • Only two people registered for the potter lessons; as a result, the class was cancelled. • NOTICE: Both clauses on either side of the semicolon can STAND ALONE as sentences.

4. REMEMBER • A semicolon must separate TWO INDEPENDENT clauses. • That means both sides of the semicolon must be able to be complete, grammatically correct sentences on their own. • BAD EXAMPLES • I went to the store; because I was hungry. • She took her time; so she was late.

5. Where do the semicolons go in these sentences? • I would like to eat fast food however, Limestone does not have an open campus lunch. • The weather is nice today I will go for a run. • I do not like brussel sprouts I eat them to be healthy. • She couldn’t go to the store but her brother went for her.

6. When to use semicolons • Use semicolons when you have long lists of things that are already using commas or when the items in the list are very long. • She wanted a summer wedding, which was difficult to plan in only three months; a cake that had nine layers; and a dress, which looked like a princess ball gown. • HINT: Continue using commas for short items in a list. • I like planes, trains, and automobiles.

7. Colons: When and how to use them

8. When to use colons • Use a colon before a list or explanation that comes after a clause that can stand alone. • There is only one thing left to do now: confess while you still have time. • The charter review committee now includes the following people: the mayor, the chief of police, the fire chief, the chair of the town council. • These people still need to take final exams: Bob, Sue, Joe, Amy.

9. When to use colons • Use a colon to separate an independent clause from a quotation. • Mrs. Kelly shared her favorite Shakespeare quote with the class: “Bid me run and I will strive with things impossible.”

10. When to use colons • If the explanatory statement coming after a colon consists of more than one sentence, begin the independent clause immediately after the colon with a capital letter • There were two reasons for a drop in attendance at NBA games this season: First, there was no superstar to take the place of Michael Jordan. Second, fans were disillusioned about the misbehavior of several prominent players.

11. When to use colons • Hint: Think of a colon as a gate, inviting you to go on.

12. When not to use colons • Do not use a colon if the preceding clause cannot stand alone. • Even if a list follows, if the clause cannot stand alone, DO NOT use a colon. • Her recipe for gunpowder included saltpeter, dry oatmeal, and ground-up charcoal briquets. (no colon after "included") • His favorite breakfast cereals were Rice Krispies, Cheerios, and Wheaties. (no colon after "were") • Her usual advice, I remember, was "Keep your head up as you push the ball up the court." (no colon after "was")